Star Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra showcased his resilience and determination in the Lausanne Diamond League, securing a second-place finish with a season’s best effort of 89.49m in his final attempt.
Despite a slow start, Chopra gradually improved his performance, moving from fourth place to third with a 85.58m throw in the fifth round. With only the top three athletes eligible for a final attempt, Chopra’s fifth-round effort proved crucial.
In a thrilling climax, Chopra unleashed a magnificent 89.49m throw in his sixth and final attempt, surpassing his previous best of 89.45m set at the Paris Olympics. This performance not only secured him a podium finish but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
Two-time world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada emerged victorious with a monstrous 90.61m throw in the second round, while Julian Weber of Germany claimed third place with 87.08m.
Chopra’s second-place finish earned him seven points, bringing his Diamond League standings to 15 points, tied with Weber. Peters now leads the standings with 21 points.
Despite nursing a long-standing groin injury, Chopra has consistently delivered impressive performances this season. He won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics with an 89.45m throw, just behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m.
Chopra’s participation in the Lausanne Diamond League was confirmed on Saturday, with a decision on a possible surgery to be made after the end of the season. He is currently ranked third in the Diamond League standings and needs to finish in the top six to qualify for the season finale in Brussels on September 14.
Chopra’s performance in Lausanne is a testament to his unwavering spirit and his ability to overcome adversity. As he continues his recovery from injury, he remains a formidable force in the world of javelin throwing.
